Nashville enjoyed the final UFC event for two weeks in one of those UFC Fight Nights that bridge the gaps of the more important PPVs. There were few fights of major consequence, but almost every division got had a battle that will help clear the murky pictures in the bantamweight, lightweight, and featherweight divisions as we wait for the champions to defend their belts.
There are also a few major questions for some vets: should Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger retire after getting viciously beat up? What’s next for Dodson/Iaquinta and Swanson?
Cub Swanson def. Artem Lobov via unanimous decision
Swanson showed off his skills while Lobov showed off his heart and chin. This is why unranked fighters don’t usually fight the no. 4 guy in the division, but Lobov still got some fans.
The spinning back elbow connects for Swanson!! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/uYFuu1TKlT
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
OHHHH @CubSwanson turning it on in round 3!! HUGE SHOTS landing!! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/sYJvZMxHlY
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Nice shots land + a head kick for @CubSwanson here in round 2 #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/NmQVTZVUqI
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Al Iaquinta def. Diego Sanchez via KO (round 1)
It’s time that Diego walked away. This is the second time he’s been instantly flattened in 9 months. He used to rely on his chin, and that simply can’t happen anymore. Read why he should retire here.
Ovince Saint Preux def. Marcos Rogério de Lima via Von Flue choke (round 2)
The hometown guy gets a big win (and various chants in his honor) with a solid win. He becomes the first fighter in UFC/WEC/Strikeforce history with two Von Flue chokes, which he calls the Von St. Preux choke. We’ll allow it.
You down w/ OSP?! @003_OSP gets it done in front of the home crowd at #UFCNashville!!! pic.twitter.com/6jvcPii2MQ
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
They're starting to throw heavy hands here at #UFCNashville!! pic.twitter.com/vuKOpVSQNF
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
John Dodson def. Eddie Wineland via unanimous decision
Massive size advantages don’t always matter when you can zip around like John Dodson (the fans were booing the hell out of the match though).
Head kick lands for @JohnDodsonMMA but @EddieWineland just EATS IT! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/kMYag3PDTr
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Stevie Ray def. Joe Lauzon via majority decision
J-Lau going for the sub early, doesn't get it, and just drops elbow BOMBS on Ray!!! #UFCNashville NOW ON @FS1!!! pic.twitter.com/QoSU84qqhI
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
WHAT A CRAZY END TO THIS FIGHT!!! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/9iTzqxGbk7
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Stevie Ray fought back after what looked like a 10-8 round from Joe Lauzon that gassed him out. Ray then picked apart Lauzon in the final two rounds to edge out the decision.
Mike Perry def. Jake Ellenberger via KO (round 2).
Jake Ellenberger was doing incredibly well against Perry until he got caught by a vicious standing elbow. This could be KO of the Year.
@TommyToeHold Mike perry made jake ellenberger dab #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/LSAL1tX6ch
— Zaran Mehta (@zaran13294) April 23, 2017
FOX Sports 2
Thales Leites def. Sam Alvey via unanimous decision
.@SmileNSam starts connecting here in round 2!! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/7jjLCcQu7q
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Brandon Moreno def. Dustin Ortiz via rear naked choke submission (round 2)
OHHHHH @TheAssassinBaby lands a HUGE head kick and rocks Oritz!! #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/nI7p3fAPJ2
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Scott Holtzman def. Michael McBride via unanimous decision
Danielle Taylor def. Jessica Penne via unanimous decision
PERFECTLY timed shot attempt from @JessicaPenne, but great take down defense from @DynamiteTaylor1 #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/ObPOvyw81F
— UFC (@ufc) April 23, 2017
Fight Pass Prelims
Alexis Davis def. Cindy Dandois via unanimous decision
SO CLOSE! @AlexisDavisMMA goes for the submission at the end of the fight but @DandoisCindy doesn't tap! How do you have it? #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/shvtMEqeO7
— UFC (@ufc) April 22, 2017
Bryan Barberena def. Joe Proctor TKO (round 1)
WOW! @Bryan_Barberena cracks Proctor w/ the right hand & gets the first-round finish on @UFCFightPass https://t.co/AwFotEyb9A #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/yZH5GM8uXu
— UFC (@ufc) April 22, 2017
Hector Sandoval def. Matt Schnell KO (punches)
The slam that led to the ground-n-pound finish. Unreal performance from @AlexS_125 #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/w12BU6BfqK
— UFC (@ufc) April 22, 2017
WE HAVE FRYE VS TAKAYAMA REENACTED IN THE FIRST FIGHT OF THE NIGHT!! Punches flying early between @AlexS_125 & @Danger_Caged #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/8C7OL0pT4P
— UFC (@ufc) April 22, 2017